MLS Crew Owner Lamar Hunt has "invited" the 22-member
group of Columbus-area business leaders who control 45% of
the team to help finance construction of the team's new $15-
17M stadium, according to Merx & Mark of the COLUMBUS
DISPATCH. Hunt Sports Group, which owns 55% of the team,
has "signed a guarantee" to cover the cost of the 22,500-
seat facility. Crew Soccer Stadium Limited Liability Corp.
is the private organization set up by Hunt that will "build,
own and manage the facility." One local owner, George
Jenkins, said that the area execs "haven't discussed
collectively whether they will take Hunt up on the offer."
Jenkins said that after a stadium site is finalized next
week, Hunt Sports Group will "analyze financing needs" and
bring a proposal to local investors. The OH Expositions
Commission approved a lease arrangement with the team and
will help select the site. The stadium will be designed by
OH-based NBBJ, with ground-breaking set for July, with the
opening scheduled for next April (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 5/20).
